A federal agency has taken legal action against a company for alleged discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a complaint against LAS Hardwoods, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on June 13, 2024.
The EEOC's lawsuit accuses LAS Hardwoods of subjecting an employee, identified as K.S., to severe and pervasive harassment due to his sexual orientation from July 2020 to February 2022. According to the complaint, K.S. faced verbal and physical harassment, including derogatory comments about his appearance and sexuality, slurs in Polish equivalent to "f*ggot" and "girly girl," and even physical abuse such as being tied to a chair with demeaning messages written on him.
The EEOC alleges that this harassment occurred in the presence of managers who sometimes participated in the abuse. Despite K.S.'s complaints, LAS Hardwoods reportedly failed to take any corrective action or implement policies against discrimination or harassment during the period in question. The Commission claims that these actions violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title I of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.
The EEOC is seeking several forms of relief from the court: a permanent injunction preventing LAS Hardwoods from engaging in discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation; an order for LAS Hardwoods to implement policies ensuring equal employment opportunities; backpay with interest for K.S.; compensation for past and future pecuniary and nonpecuniary losses including emotional distress; punitive damages for malicious conduct; and coverage of litigation costs.
Representing the EEOC are General Counsel Karla Gilbride, Deputy General Counsel Christopher Lage, Regional Attorney Gregory Gochanour, Assistant Regional Attorney Deborah Hamilton, and Trial Attorney Elizabeth B. Banaszak. The case is presided over by judges at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois under Case ID 1:24-cv-04899.